Sichuan Airlines has launched its inaugural direct flight between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur, marking its second city connection to Malaysia following the existing Chengdu route.
The inaugural flight, 3U 3773, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 11.45 pm, establishing a direct link between Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) and KLIA (KUL).
Operating three times weekly with Airbus A321/A320 aircraft, the service offers a capacity of 160 passengers.
Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, welcomed passengers and said, “The new service reflects the continued strengthening of tourism relations between Malaysia and China.”
Lee added “The direct connectivity improves travel convenience for visitors from Chongqing and surrounding regions, while reinforcing Malaysia’s positioning as a preferred travel destination in Southeast Asia, offering rich culture, diverse tourism products and natural attractions.”
Passengers were also greeted by Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, International Promotion Divisions (Asia/Africa) of Tourism Malaysia; Azmi Abdullah, Senior Deputy Director, International Promotion Divisions (Asia/Africa); Zhou Cunming, Area General Manager (Malaysia/ Singapore/ Indonesia) of Sichuan Airlines; and officials from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
The route is expected to enhance tourism, trade and cultural exchange between Southern China and Malaysia.
From January to August 2025, Malaysia recorded 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China, a 27.5% increase compared with the same period in 2024.
Tourism Malaysia emphasised that this new air connectivity aligns with preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), aiming to welcome 47 million international visitors and stimulate domestic travel. The launch represents a strategic boost to Malaysia’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
